Metraman

I went out Saturday to go for a drive and the car was totaly dead. i mean nothing i tried to jump it the lights would come on but as soon as i hit the key everything would go black and something would start clicking after.As soon as i disconnected the jumpers it stopped. So i charged it for 24 HR. It still does the same thing. I was hoping the battery was bad so the flatbed to the dealer woundn't be needed but a check of the battery shows perfect. Oh yea all the electrical items work that's till i hit the key then nothing.
HELP

ZeeOh6Nut

Didn't have these symptoms on my ZR1 yet but had the exact description you described on my Cadillac with the same ignition button/fob setup. It happened after the doors were left open while at the detailer. I had to have the car towed to the dealership where they totally drained the battery, recharged it overnight, and told me it tested as new and the car would start. Since I had tried all that with jumping and charging already at the detailer, and didn't want to be stranded in the near future, I had them replace the battery anyway. No diagnoses as to why it all happened except that the technician stated the electronics for the start function and the computer controlling the anti-theft mode get very flakey when the battery is drained. Weird stuff with all the electronics BS they put on the modern cars.

INTRCUL

How did you check the battery? Just because it reads 12ish volts doesn't mean it's OK, you need to do a load test. You described everything going black when trying to crank it which sounds like a bad cell in the battery. Just to double check, turn the key to the ACC on position but don't crank the engine. Turn on the radio and maybe the interior map lights, maybe even the headlights. Then try to crank it over. If the starter or solenoid is bad, that could be clicking sound (or a dead battery) but all lights and the radio should stay on. If the electronics lose power when trying to crank my guess is a cell cracked inside the battery. On previous cars this happened to me twice with old school lead acid batteries and I could barely jump the car to get it home. Time for an Opitma gel battery!

Metraman

They put a load on the battery and said it checked like new. Also tried the ACC position all the lights on as soon as I hit the start it all goes dark 15 seconds later all the lights come back on. I guess AAA will be out Wednesday. I sure hate to drag it up on the truck.
Thanks

RPO_Z06

Sure sounds like a poor connection on a battery cable somewhere.

Chevy Cust Svc

Good Afternoon,

I’m sorry to hear that you couldn’t take the Vette out, especially with the weather turning out so nice. I cannot guarantee anything, but I would be happy to look into this further for you. If this sounds like something you would like please private message us your contact information, VIN, and dealership name (if you have a preferred location). I will keep an eye out for your response. Thanks!

Jennie R.
Chevrolet Customer Care

Metraman

Hello Jennie
I appreciate the offer but the guys at Les Stanford and GM have gone over the top to take care of my car and I. They just replaced the supercharger even thou it was out of warranty. They've kept an eye on it because it's got 91,000 mile on it and was #46 in the build. It's been the best car I've ever owned.
Thanks Again

Chevy Cust Svc

Hey there,

That is great news! I’m happy to hear that you have been taken care of well. Let me know if you have any further questions. Have a great day!

Jennie R.
Chevrolet Customer Care

GOLD72

Outstanding to hear of a 91k mile ZR1.

timmyZ06

It does sounds a lot like a dead cell battery or bad connection!

Metraman

Dealer will have it tomorrow. They fixed an oil leak last week one of the side bearing bolts leaked again. It sure seems like that's going to be the source.